Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 92 of his Department’s Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on working with the Department for Education to develop an understanding of Armed Forces among young people in schools.

The Ministry of Defence recognises the importance of Recommendation 26 of the Strategic Defence Review and is continuing to work with the Department for Education to consider how young people’s understanding of the Armed Forces and their role can be strengthened.

Alongside this work, the Armed Forces continue to engage young people through a range of activities in schools and colleges. These include the Royal Air Force’s virtual work experience programme, Army careers and community engagement, and Royal Navy leadership, teamworking and STEM activities. These programmes provide young people with opportunities to learn about the work of the Armed Forces and the breadth of careers available.